Two Indicted in Mahoning County Jail Stabbing

Suspects face multiple felony charges for alleged attack on inmate

Apr. 6, 2026 at 4:49pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a sharpened metal object, such as a makeshift prison shank or knife, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the threat of inmate violence within the correctional system.A recent wave of violence within the Mahoning County Jail exposes the ongoing challenges of maintaining order and safety behind bars.Youngstown Today

Two men, Julian Vanfossan and Collins, have been secretly indicted on charges of felonious assault and attempted murder in connection with a stabbing incident at the Mahoning County Jail last month. The suspects were arrested in late March and early April and are set for arraignment on April 7.

Why it matters

Violent incidents within jails and prisons raise concerns about inmate safety and the ability of correctional facilities to maintain order. This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in preventing and responding to violence behind bars.

The details

According to prosecutors, Vanfossan and Collins allegedly stabbed a man who was walking out of the Mahoning County Jail on March 19. Both suspects have been indicted on two counts of felonious assault and one count of attempted murder. Vanfossan was arrested on March 30, while Collins was apprehended on April 4.

  • The alleged stabbing incident occurred on March 19, 2026 at the Mahoning County Jail.
  • Vanfossan was arrested by Mahoning County sheriff's deputies on March 30, 2026.
  • Collins was arrested by Liberty police on April 4, 2026.
  • The suspects are set for arraignment on April 7, 2026.

The players

Julian Vanfossan

One of the two men indicted in the Mahoning County Jail stabbing incident. Vanfossan is also accused in a separate armed robbery case in Poland, Ohio.

Collins

The second man indicted in the Mahoning County Jail stabbing. Collins is not said to be involved in the Poland armed robbery case.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The judge will arraign Vanfossan and Collins on the charges on April 7, 2026.

The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing challenges correctional facilities face in maintaining safety and security, even within the confines of the jail itself. It raises questions about inmate violence, staffing, and the broader criminal justice system's ability to prevent and respond to such incidents.